“.. it was worth it to have those celebrations at the end, and even more so because it meant the three points. I’ve been to some dark places in the last couple of years. I just tried to keep going, keep working hard. It’s probably the most emotional I’ve ever been on a football field, to be honest. Stuff like that, it’s really not like me, but what a feeling.“

So said Jordan Jones after the match.

The Wigan squad’s celebrations at the end of this game were reminiscent of a team winning a major trophy. Four consecutive defeats had sapped their confidence and dropped them down to the relegation zone. They remain there, but within striking distance of the teams above them. With three consecutive home games coming up there is a strong chance of Latics climbing out of danger.

Shaun Maloney made three changes to his starting lineup, adopting a 3-4-3 formation. Steven Sessegnon and Tom Pearce were the wing backs. Liam Morrison partnered Charlie Hughes and Sean Clare in the back 3, with Baba Adeeko and Scott Smith in central midfield. 19- year-old Josh Stones made his league debut replacing the ineffective Josh Magennis, up front with Martial Godo and Stephen Humphries.

The changes seemed to instantly galvanise Latics and they started the game playing with purpose and drive. Each player knew his role and the football was so much better than we had seen recently. Humphrys has been the brightest spark since the start of the season and he showed his determination skill with a great run and pass to Godo who slotted the ball home with panache after 8 minutes. Although the home team started to apply some pressure the Wigan defence looked solid and in control with Latics going in to half time with a 1-0 lead.

They did not look so much in control in the second half which saw Exeter dominating play. It seemed like it was only a matter of time when the home team would score. Latics had dropped so far back in defence, with only sporadic attacking. Somehow, with a mixture of good defending and last ditch clearances, it was still 1-0 going into the 8 minutes of time added on. Jordan Jones’ brave run at the defence in the 97th minute was rewarded by a deflection to seal Wigan’s victory.

The stats showed Exeter having 30 shots to Wigan’s 5, but gutsy defence mixed with a little bit of luck had held the home team at bay. Sam Tickle had made a fine save from a cross that was heading into the top left hand corner of his net and old Latics favourite Yanic Wildschut had used his pace to glide past his marker on the by line to go on to hit the post. Many players other than the Dutchman might have gone down to seek a penalty following contact in the box as he made that run.

On a positive note the manager’s changes had proved effective. Morrison was Latics’ man of the match on the left side of the back three. Stones showed great willingness and his pace and physicality made him a handful for the home defence until he was taken off after 61 minutes.

Maloney will now need to set his side up for a difficult task on Tuesday when Latics host an Oxford United side that is in second place, having lost only 2 out of 12 games. He will most likely stick with the 3-4-3 formation which seems to be his best bet at the moment.

_{Stats courtesy of WhoScored.com}